Acquired Eyelid Drooping (Acquired Ptosis)

Drooping of the upper eyelid due to aging or muscle weakness

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board

Last updated: June 9, 2026

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Göz Hastalıkları department. Book Appointment →

What is Acquired Eyelid Drooping (Acquired Ptosis)?

Acquired ptosis is upper eyelid drooping that develops at any time after birth. The most common cause is loosening of the levator aponeurosis due to aging (involutional ptosis). Neurogenic causes (3rd cranial nerve palsy, Horner syndrome), myogenic causes (myasthenia gravis), mechanical causes (tumor, edema), and traumatic causes are other etiological factors. Unilateral acute-onset ptosis requires urgent neurological evaluation.

Symptoms

Drooping of the upper eyelid

Narrowing of the upper part of the visual field

The need to look with the head tilted back

Trying to see by raising the eyebrows

Eye fatigue and forehead pain

Risk Factors

Advanced age

Long-term contact lens use

History of eye surgery

Neuromuscular diseases (myasthenia gravis)

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

If the eyelid drooping has acute onset
If double vision or restriction of eye movement accompanies it
If the visual field is significantly restricted

Treatment Methods

Levator resection or aponeurosis repair surgery

Frontalis sling surgery (in advanced muscle weakness)

Treatment of myasthenia gravis (in neurogenic type)

Müller muscle resection (in mild cases)

Ptosis crutch or glasses support (temporary solution)

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Göz Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Göz Hastalıkları Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.